The teabag/"free state" Republican legislature headed by Speaker Bill O'Brien was sent packing by NH voters this past Tuesday. Also notable: NH has the first all female congressional delegation, a woman governor, an openly gay state senator and executive councilor. Now add to the mix the state's first openly transgender rep.
From theUnion Leader
Along with the historical first election of an all-female Congressional delegation, the first transgender person was elected to the N.H. House of Representatives on Tuesday. And though gender issues are top on her agenda, Stacie Laughton wants to be seen as just another lady on the House floor.Laughton's campaign manager doesn't want that to be the whole story
"She doesn't want it to define the state representative position because she knows that there's a lot of other complex issues," Lisa Laughton said. "When she gets into Concord she's going to fight for the right legislation to protect all of the citizens, (not just) a select few."
Laughton said she will spearhead some gay and transgender issues in Concord. She said that in a state with gay marriage, gay couples should be entitled to their spouse's health insurance as straight couples are - she's already planning to introduce a bill or amendment to address the issue.Just think, a few years ago, a transgender equality bill derided as the "bathroom bill" because Republicans claimed men would be storming the ladies rest rooms of the state claiming to be transgender, was used against Democrats. A vicious ad was placed against the bill's sponsor, Rep Ed Butler (D-Hart's Location) this election, but it was unsuccessful.
Things do change, but it takes time.